All about copyright, understanding music licensing, and government regulations.
by Michael Robertson
This guest contribution by iconic digital audio entrepreneur Michael Robertson digs into the U.S. copyright code and finds a statute which might relate to, and potentially invalidate, Spotify’s exclusive distribution deal with Joe Rogan. Continue Reading
The Mechanical Licensing Collective announced several new hires for its leadership team. The organization was formed by the passage of the Music Modernization Act and is responsible for administering the new blacket compulsory mechanical license for digital music services. Continue Reading
Liberty Media is a powerful force in music, with holdings in Sirius XM, Pandora, and Live Nation/Ticketmaster. After the Sirius XM and Pandora deal closed, the rumors turned next to Liberty having an interest in iHeartMedia. A group of consumer rights advocates and an artists’ rights organization have teamed up to send a letter to the Justice Department to oppose that possible acquisition. Continue Reading
The coronavirus pandemic has already had an impact on music consumption and performance around the world. Performing rights organization ASCAP is the latest company to share changes as a result of the disease. President and Chairman Paul Williams told members in an email that the organization is postponing its scheduled April 6 payments to April 28. Continue Reading
TikTok may have at least temporarily gotten its ducks in a row for licensing, but music publishers are still threatening legal action. David Israelite, CEO of the National Music Publishers Association, told the Financial Times (paywall) that a lawsuit is a “likely future step.” Continue Reading
Short-form video has been a huge focus for Internet and media culture, and the field could be seeing some shifts. First, TikTok is moving to make its massively popular platform more in line with the major labels. Second, YouTube isn’t going to cede its video crown to the newer rival just yet. Continue Reading
Spotify and Warner Music Group have renewed their global licensing deal. The companies confirmed that Warner’s library be available in India under the terms of their latest agreement. No financial details were disclosed. Continue Reading
Apple has reportedly signed new licensing agreements for its streaming service. Financial Times reported that the company secured multi-year deals with the three majors. Continue Reading
Soundstripe, a production music startup, announced two new plans offering access to royalty-free music for enterprise businesses. The company said it envisions larger operations such as creative marketing agencies, higher education institutions, media companies, and film production companies as its clientele. Continue Reading
The Copyright Royalty Board’s 2018 ruling for mechanical royalties to be paid by streaming services has been on the books for awhile, but it will be returning to court this week. Four streaming services filed appeals against the ruling in March, and the U.S. Court of Appeals will begin hearing arguments from the legal counsel for Amazon and Spotify today. Continue Reading
Warner Music Group has gotten a reprieve in court. A federal judge in California declined to certify a class action lawsuit that claimed the label did not pay artists the correct share of digital streaming royalties. In addition, the label appears to be adjusting its IPO timeline. Continue Reading
Canadian collections agency SOCAN announced last week that it set a new record in 2019. The group saw an estimated C$405.5 million in collections during the year, a total that was 8% higher than its previous record of C$375 million in 2018. Continue Reading